"Other stuff (international honours) comes off that if you are performing well for your province, so it will take care of itself.

"Improving our away results was one of the things we said we would do at the start of the season, so in that regard last weekend's win in Glasgow was another step in the right direction.

"This game on Saturday gives us the chance to break the run of losses against Ulster. It's a big game for us and there is a lot at stake."

Meanwhile, Iarnród Eireann have announce that special train arrangements will be in place to cater for rugby supporters who wish to travel from Athlone, Ballinasloe, and Athenry to Galway for the Connacht v Ulster clash on Saturday.

Passengers will be able to avail of regular trains departing Athlone at 4.04pm, 5.04pm and 6.02pm, all of which will arrive at Ceannt Station in time for the game.

A return train will depart Galway at 10.15pm, returning to Athlone and serving Athenry, Attymon, Woodlawn and Ballinasloe.

The return fare, which should be purchased on the day from Station Ticket Offices, is an attractive €10.